2001 Suzuki Esteem Review

sub frame

Written by: 724joep on 10/20/2009

Vehicle

2001 Suzuki Esteem GLX 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I have an 2001 suzuki esteem wagon bought in 2002 with 4500 miles. as of 10/20/09 it only has 35000 miles on it. Last week we were going to town and the front sub frame just rusted out and broke. Could have been very bad but we were going slow. I called American Suzuki in Ca. and they are looking into it. I hope they man up and help me get it fixed. I have owned Suzuki motorcycles all my life and this is the first car I hope to keep it a long time. So come on American Suzuki and help a guy out.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

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Best car ever !!

Written by: western mass fan on 06/09/2009

Vehicle

2001 Suzuki Esteem GL 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Purchased new for $10,700 with sticker reading $14,999 and love the car. It's sporty drive (5 speed) and great economy 35 mpg or more place it next to my suzuki motorcyle in fun. Oil changes every 3000 miles and original spark plugs at 93,000 miles and running like a top. Rust is starting on door bottoms, and had to replace the front sub frame this month (big bucks). Still can't complain and wish I could get it back from my daughter.

Favorite Features

Peppiness, styling, A/C and heat, love the daytime running lights for making the little car more visable.

Suggested Improvements

Trunk feels tinny when closing, center vent loose (piece of paper holds it).

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Outstanding, Reliable Transportation

Written by: JCRobin on 12/27/2008

Vehicle

2001 Suzuki Esteem GL 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I've owned this little car for almost 6 years and drive it to and from work and around town everyday. It runs flawlessly and is actually kinda fun to drive, for a basic economy car. The engine is the best component, typical as with Suzuki motorcycles. Clarion stero is junk but easily replaced. OK it's not a Lexus but I have had absolutely no problems, it's great on gas and I intend and expect to drive it to 200k+ with only normal good maintenance practices. What more could someone expect from any car especially a value-priced underrated bargain. I will surely buy another Suzuki when the time comes.

Favorite Features

Awesome engine, timing chain, not belt. Very responsive and easy to service. Excellent trans, also.

Suggested Improvements

Suzuki could have done better for their efforts as well as the satisfaction of new and perspective buyers by outfitting and adding more interior comforts and making all models better that just basic function and appearance for the driver. A little better paint and body would be a plus.

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Great value for the money

Written by: tony on 05/05/2008

Vehicle

2001 Suzuki Esteem GLX Sport 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

This car runs very good and has been very reliable. The car came fully loaded with the aero pkg, kyb sport spsn, yokohama advan's and sportline alloys. This was a limited edition. At 67k this car runs and handles very well, I use castrol syntec 5w30 in engine and royal purple in tranny. I wash the car with meguires and wax with zymol. The color is deep space blue. I turned the front rotors 2x and replaced the pads also. I change engine oil and filter every 4k miles, since tranny does not have a filter I change tranny fluid every 15k miles, mpg highway avg 28 (advan 15" tires) mpg city 24 avg

Favorite Features

CD player, all bells and whistles.

Suggested Improvements

Would of been nice to have factory installed (european/jpdm) dashboard clock, awd system, frt and rear strut tower braces, abs, rear disc brakes, 5- way adjustable coil over shocks and sun roof.

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Not a bad little car

Written by: thorpite on 03/31/2008

Vehicle

2001 Suzuki Esteem GL 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I've owned my Esteem for 5 years and have never had any major mechanical problems with it and it handles like a champ. I like my little car and it's great in city traffic and tight spots. I moved from Florida to Chicago and was curious to see how it would handle in ice and snow since it is very light and can be hard to handle in high winds. In snow/ice, it slides a lot in turns. The engine can be noisy but I always have the radio on, so it's not an issue for me personally. I replaced the factory CD player because mine stopped reading CDs and my intermittent windshield wipers gave out soon after purchase and now I've noticed that my wipers don't reset themselves when they turn off.

Favorite Features

Handles great, good fuel economy (32/28), easy to drive, small gas tank to fill up means less to pay at the pump.

Suggested Improvements

Power windows and locks (I bought mine used and the previous owner had no options).

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